Meet the Chef.
François Galand is a professional pastry chef with over 30 years of experience gathered here in Australia and in his native France. With a family heritage of pastry chefs young François discovered his love of baking at the tender age of six, while playing in his grandfather’s patisserie in Honfluer, France.
After completing his apprenticeship, François furthered his experience working in patisseries in both France and London before arriving in Australia in 1991.
After a stint at La Gerbe d’Or in Paddington, François and two other French pastry chefs established Dinky Di Pies in Rose Bay which quickly gained a loyal clientele as its reputation spread on the quality of its pies, cakes and pastries.
Branching out on his own in 2005 he established François’ Pastries in Pyrmont, a boutique ‘salon de thé’ which served delicate pastries and petit fours.
In 2007, he was invited to join Pie Face as executive pastry chef. Over the next nine years he developed new products for the brand and helped to establish its overseas presence.
Following his desire to return to traditional French hand-made artisan pastries and cakes, François established François Artisan Baker in 2016 to share his love of all things French.
What People Are Saying
“By far the best bakery in Bondi. Beautiful sourdough bread and baguettes. Pastries and cakes are delicious and staff are very friendly. Great, local atmosphere but as good as anything you’d find in Paris!”
— Kathryn
“I go here multiple times a week for pastries, bread, quiche and pies. The best in the Bondi area by far. Reckon they’re the best croissants anywhere I’ve ever had. Just delicious.”
— James
“We've been regular for these two years, a croissant is the best in sydney hands down I think after having tried other famous bakeries! My other go-to is fruit slice, coffee eclair, brioche on weekends and hot pies. They're all sophisticated and amazing but coffee eclair is top notch! Apricot tart cake on my birthday was just exactly my taste.”
— Chiro
“My wife is very fussy when it comes to cakes, especially her favourite, the Black Forest cake. For her 40th, I thought I'd take another stab at finding one in Sydney that passes her exacting standards after failing several times in the past. Suffice to say I found success with Francois' exquisite Black Forest. "One of the best I've had" was the official word from the judging panel (ie wife). Will be back for sure.”
— Brad
“Beautiful & delicious selection of pastries, cakes & savoury baked delights. My partner & I are regular customers at François & feel like kids in a toy store on each visit. We’ve nearly tried everything on the menu & always leave cheerfully satisfied!”
— Stephanie
“François catered pastries, a birthday cake, and a French tart for my 50th. This is clearly a patisserie chef of great skill and passion. A man who has perfected his craft. I challenge you to find a superior level of Product in Sydney. A real find!”